At my studio I like to start children at the age of 4 or 5. With the Suzuki Method, I am very successful at teaching 4 and 5 year old children to play the piano. Older children can also begin piano study at any age.
It is best to have a piano; however a child can practice on an electric keyboard for a year or two before a piano needs to be purchased. If a keyboard is purchased, I recommend a 61 note keyboard that is “touch sensitive.” Such keyboards can usually be purchased for about $150.
Yes, parents are an important part of Suzuki piano instruction. Parents attend lessons and help the student to practice at home. By attending lessons, the parents are able to learn to play piano along with their student, and so even parents who have never played piano before can help their child practice.
A young child will not have long practice sessions. At the beginning, practice sessions will be 5 or 10 minutes, one or more times a day.
Music is an art which is meant to be enjoyed. I try my best to make instruction enjoyable and for most children, home practice can also be an enjoyable experience.
Yes, you are welcome to observe a Suzuki piano lesson.